Energy reaches earth from the sun in rays of invisible ultraviolet (UV)
light.
When UV rays enter the skin, they damage skin cells.
The sun causes both visible and invisible damage to skin cells.
The sun's effects are worst near the equator, in the mountains, and in the
summer.
Sand, water, and snow reflect the sun, increasing damage to the skin.
Who can get sun damage?
A person of any age and any race can get sun damage.
Sun damage, such as skin cancer, usually shows up in middle and later life
but can be found in teenagers.
Children tend to spend more time outside than adults and so are at greater
risk for getting burned.
Fair-skinned children and children with lots of moles or freckles have a
greater risk of getting skin cancer.
Children who have had a lot of sunburns or two blistering sunburns are at
a greater risk for getting skin cancer.
Children with a family history of cancer have a greater risk of getting
skin cancer.
What are signs that skin has been damaged?
Sunburns, tans, and freckles are all signs of sun damage.
Sunburns can cause dehydration, blisters, pain, and fever.
Some burns may need first-aid or a doctor's treatment.
Bad sunburns can lead to the most dangerous kind of skin cancer, called
melanoma.
Because melanoma destroys the skin, it has to be removed. Melanoma could
cause death.
How can I protect my child from the sun? Talk to coaches, camp counselors, and other activity leaders about helping
keep your child protected from the sun. Children should spend time out of the
sun, wear protective clothes, and wear sunscreen.
Staying out of the sun
It's best if your child plays outside before 10 AM and after 4 PM. The
sun's effects are worst in the middle of the day.
Children who are outside all day should take time-outs from the sun.
They can go indoors for a break or sit in the shade.
Keep infants under six months old out of direct sun.
If your child has sunburn, she should stay out of the sun until the
sunburn has gone away.
Wearing protective clothing
Your child can wear a hat to shade her face and sunglasses to protect
her eyes.
If children will be in the sun, dress them in light colored clothing.
Children should keep their shirts on when playing outside and wear t-shirts
when swimming.
Dress children in protective clothes if they are outside, especially
infants under six months old.
What should I know about using sunscreen? Sunscreen is most effective when it is used properly. Parents should know
which sunscreen to use, when to use it, and how to put it on.
Which sunscreen is best for my child?
Sunscreen comes in lotions, gels, and sunsticks. Sunscreen is either
invisible or colored.
Colored sunscreen is especially good to wear on high-risk areas like
the nose, lips, and shoulders. It works by blocking the sun from the skin.
Invisible sunscreen is good for other parts of the body. It works by
trapping the sun's energy before it can hurt the skin.
Use waterproof sunscreen if possible, even if children aren't swimming.
Waterproof sunscreen will last longer than regular sunscreen if your child
is sweating.
Use sunscreens that are "broad-spectrum." They block both UVA and UVB
rays.
Use a sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher.
The higher the SPF, the greater protection the sunscreen has.
When should my child wear sunscreen?
If infants under six months old have to be in direct sun, they should
wear sunscreen.
Put sunscreen on your child about 30 minutes before she goes outside.
It takes time to work.
Put on sunscreen about every 2 hours, even on cloudy days.
If your child is running around or swimming, she may need to put on
sunscreen more often than every 2 hours.
How do I put sunscreen on?
Test sunscreen on the back before spreading it on the whole body. Call
the doctor if your child gets a rash.
Spread sunscreen all over the body, even on skin covered by clothing.
Put sunscreen on your lips and ears, but not your eyelids.
When should I call the doctor?
If your infant is under 1 year old and gets sunburn, call the doctor at
once. Bad sunburn is an emergency.
Call the doctor if sunscreen gives your child a rash.
Call the doctor if your child gets sunburn that causes blisters, pain, or
fever.
Call the doctor or dermatologist if you have questions or concerns about
sun damage or sun protection.
Quick Answers
When UV rays from the sun enter the skin, they damage skin cells.
A person of any age and any race can get sun damage but children are at
the greatest risk.
Using sunscreen, staying out of the sun, and wearing protective clothing
can prevent sun damage.
Your child is best protected from the sun when sunscreen is used properly.
Call the doctor or dermatologist if you have questions or concerns about
sun damage or sun protection.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. Parents' Guide to Sun Protection for Children:
The ABCs for FUN in the SUN. 1993 (cited 2001 August 3). URL: http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/ABCsFunSun.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. Protecting Your Child from the Sun. 2000
(cited 2001 August 3). URL: http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZ9AVFOQ7C.html&soc=AAP&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Sun Protection. 1996-2001 (cited
2001 August 3). URL: http://WWW.CHOP.EDU/cgi-bin/consumer/your_child/wellness_index.jsp?id=-8830
"Virtual Pediatric Hospital", the Virtual Pediatric Hospital logo, and "A digital library of pediatric information" are all Trademarks of Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Virtual Pediatric Hospital is funded in whole by Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Virtual Pediatric Hospital is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.